“Human Refining?”

These two words left the Prince and the troupe leader completely stunned. They simply couldn’t comprehend what he meant.

How could a person be refined?

Seeing their bewildered expressions, Wu Wang launched into an eloquent explanation.

“This Human Refining is, naturally, just like refining medicine.”

“It enhances a person’s abilities in every aspect, allowing them to perform far more effectively.”

“Most importantly, it allows them to become of one mind with the user!”

With that, he glanced again at the Prince and the great broadsword on the table. He decided to pique the man’s interest further.

“Prince, you are a great general who defends the borders and leads armies into battle.”

“You of all people should understand what it would mean if an army could be completely of one mind with its commander. Imagine it. Orders wouldn’t even be needed. A single thought from you could make your soldiers act.”

“What a terrifying thing that would be.”

At these words, the Prince fell silent. As a general, he certainly understood how bizarre and appalling Wu Wang’s claim was.

The Prince frowned.

“Absurd! How could two different people be of one mind, let alone an entire army?”

The more the Prince disbelieved, the more Wu Wang knew his chances of luring him into the trap were increasing. This was precisely the effect he wanted.

Wu Wang’s expression turned completely serious.

“If the Prince does not believe me, then find a trustworthy person for me to refine.”

“After the refining is finished tomorrow, everything will be clear.”

Hearing his confident words, the Prince began to hesitate.

If it was truly possible to achieve a state of linked minds, where a general could command his soldiers without issuing orders, then the combat effectiveness of his army would grow exponentially. Expanding their territory would be within easy reach.

But what if the other party was just playing tricks?

Once outsiders learned that he, the Prince who guarded the frontier, actually believed such a ridiculous thing, it would not be good. He couldn’t let word of this reach the Emperor.

The troupe leader at his side noticed the Prince’s hesitation. He smiled.

“Brother Xiang, I am also very curious about this Human Refining Method. How about this? Lend me a guard and satisfy my curiosity.”

By putting it this way, the troupe leader made it seem like it was his desire to witness the technique. Even if word got out, it would only be seen as the foolishness of an opera performer.

The Prince’s own reputation would not be affected in any way.

Under these circumstances, the Prince’s face immediately lit up with a smile. He waved his hand and commanded, “Li Ling! Come in!”

Bang!

The words had just fallen when the main door swung open. One of the guards who had been standing post outside strode in.

His heavy, standard-issue military uniform and the blade in his hand made his steps sound loud and heavy.

“General!”

The guard strode to the front of the room, dropped to one knee, and cupped his fist, ready to receive his orders.

The Prince pointed at Wu Wang and the troupe leader.

“You, follow these two tonight and help them with their work. Whatever they tell you to do, even if they tell you to die, you must obey. Can you do that?”

“I obey the command!” the guard’s voice was sonorous and forceful, without a hint of hesitation or doubt.

The fourteen guards who had accompanied the Prince to the Opera God’s Righteous Garden were all deathsworn warriors he had personally selected. Their loyalty had long been tested by the blood and fire of countless battles.

They would absolutely not betray him.

The Prince nodded in satisfaction, then stood up.

Grabbing the enormous broadsword from the table, he swung it casually a couple of times to limber up. The motion stirred up a howling gale, and a palpable killing intent filled the room.

Even Wu Wang was dazed for a moment by this killing intent. He was astonished to find that his Spirit attribute had just dropped by a full five points.

He couldn’t help but complain in his heart.

Holy crap! Isn’t this Prince a bit too invincible?

His killing intent has reached a level where it can directly affect one’s spirit. What kind of bullshit game is this?

This was especially true when he thought of his own Side Quests. Wu Wang’s head ached even more.

Clear up the abnormalities in the opera garden?

You see this Jiangshi Prince who could probably cut me in half with a single casual swing? Does he look like someone I can clear up?

“Alright, my interest is piqued,” the Prince said, turning his head to look at the troupe leader.

He then pointed at Wu Wang and added, “He doesn’t need to perform.”

“No problem,” the troupe leader smiled. “Then we will go make our preparations. I wish you prosperity in your martial path.”

He stood up, pulled Wu Wang along, and exited the room.

Glancing at Li Ling, who had followed them out, Wu Wang couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh.

This was the terrifying aspect of a feudal society.

Human life was as worthless as weeds here.

It was just as the Prince and the troupe leader had joked about earlier. The guard wasn’t considered a person.

He was just a possession.

“Troupe Leader, is it really okay for me not to be needed for the opera?” Wu Wang asked, snapping back to his senses.

He still wanted to use the first performance to learn about the other players’ Main Quests and find some clues.

Unexpectedly, the troupe leader burst out laughing. But his eyes and tone were cold as he replied, “Bai Sha, you should be thankful you don’t need to perform. You’ll understand in a moment.”

With that, he turned and walked toward the opera house without looking back.

Somewhat confused, Wu Wang led Li Ling and followed him.

A moment later, the three of them arrived at the opera house. On the stage, the six players were fighting each other with the prop weapons used by Wu Sheng actors.

The troupe leader showed not the slightest objection. Instead, he nodded in satisfaction and smiled.

“Only with such diligence is there a chance of survival.”

Wu Wang was baffled.

What are you talking about, man?

This play is life-threatening?

Before he could ask, the troupe leader called the players over. Once everyone had gathered, he spoke seriously.

“Everyone, the play the Prince wants to see will be staged ahead of schedule. I hope you will not disappoint him.”

Then, with a wave of his hand, he sent them all to prepare.

At this, Wu Wang finally couldn’t hold back any longer. He found an excuse to slip away from the troupe leader and followed the other players backstage.

On the way, he asked Xiaoxiao, “What play are you all rehearsing? How come I don’t know anything about it?”

This question seemed to confuse Xiaoxiao. She pointed at the blue-haired guy in the distance and asked in return, “He didn’t tell you?”

“The clues from the executioner included the script for the play we need to rehearse. After all, it requires multiple people, so he couldn’t do it alone. Since it involves everyone’s safety, he told us the details last night.”

“You hadn’t returned yet. He said he would inform you today.”

As she spoke, Xiaoxiao’s expression turned unnatural. To be honest, the content of this opera was very strange.

It didn’t seem to require any acting experience or skill. Everyone just needed to go up like a Wu Sheng and perform combat movements. A large part of the performance involved hacking and slashing at each other, and the weapon each person used was a large cleaver.

The most crucial part was that the Side Quest also had related content.

【Side Quest 1: At least five players must survive the first performance】

In other words, even the quest itself allowed for up to two player casualties.

If the blue-haired executioner hadn’t told Wu Wang anything, was he trying to take this opportunity to eliminate him?

Xiaoxiao complained helplessly, her expression growing complicated.

“This damned Prince! Did he have to watch this blasted performance? What are you going to do now?”

While Xiaoxiao was worried, Wu Wang’s expression was brilliant. It was an expression of pity mixed with sheer curiosity.

He was already used to the fact that other players’ quests were different from his own.

It was clear this opera performance would be extremely dangerous. Xiaoxiao’s Side Quest, with its built-in margin for error, only made that fact more obvious. Even the Spirit Calamity Game seemed to think casualties were a certainty. Just having the players do their best to survive would count as completing the quest.

But, what does that have to do with me?

She’s asking me what I’m going to do?

I’m not in the play!

Who said this Prince is no good? This Prince is great!

Everyone, you must survive, okay?

I’ll be in the audience, sipping tea and watching your splendid performance…

Author’s note: Just finished watching IG vs. TES with my roommate. Witnessing him go from hyped up to dead silent was hilarious, hahaha. Today’s LOL match was really something else.